Program Overview

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Master of Arts in History

The Master's program in History enables students to work independently and scientifically, and opens up a wide range of career opportunities.

Program Description

The Master's program in History at the University of Bern is designed to deepen students' methodological knowledge and empirical knowledge, as well as their ability to work independently and scientifically. Students can choose to concentrate on one or two freely chosen subject areas (Minor or Major and Mono). The program aims to bring students closer to the historical dimension of human existence and its interdependence with politics, society, economy, environment, and culture.

Program Structure

The program is divided into the Master's studies (usually 7th and 8th semesters) and the final phase (usually 9th and 10th semesters). The Master's studies include a seminar phase, one or more modules on "Historical Sciences," and a Master's thesis phase (final phase). All courses are completed with an independent performance assessment, except for lectures, which are also graded.

Study Content

The Master's program in History is studied in two freely chosen subject areas (Major and Mono). Each subject area is assigned an appropriate proportion of the study program. In the Minor 30/60, students study one subject area, while in the Minor 30/30, they study a combination of epoch and subject area.

Study Program

• Mono 120 ECTS points: The Monostudy program in History can be completed with 120 ECTS points.
• Major 90 ECTS points: The Major study program in History can be completed with 90 ECTS points, combined with a Minor of 30 ECTS points.
• Minor 30 ECTS points: The Minor study program in History can be completed with 30 ECTS points.

Combination Options

The Master's program in History can be studied as a monosubject study program with 120 ECTS points or as a Major study program with 90 ECTS points and a Minor with 30 ECTS points. All Minors offered at the University of Bern can be combined with the Major in History, except for the Minor in the same subject area.

Duration of Study

The standard duration of the Master's program in History is 4 semesters.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is German.

Start of Studies

Studies can begin in the fall or spring semester.

Admission Requirements

Individual Study Requirements

The following study certificates qualify for admission to the Mono or Major:

• a) Bachelor's degree from a recognized Swiss university in the field of History.
• b) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in another field of study, provided that the necessary prerequisites for the successful completion of the Master's program are acquired through additional coursework of up to 60 ECTS points.

Language Requirements

• Mono 120 ECTS points: At least two foreign languages are required, which can be proven by a maturity certificate or a supplementary examination. Additionally, Latin is obligatory for the Monostudy program in History, regardless of the chosen subject area.
• Major 90 ECTS points: At least two foreign languages are required, which can be proven by a maturity certificate or a supplementary examination. Latin is obligatory for the Major in History only if the subject area "Ancient History" or "Medieval History" is chosen.

Application and Admission

• General admission requirements
• Application and admission with a Swiss study certificate
• Application and admission with an international study certificate

Career Prospects

The study of History opens up a wide range of career opportunities after completing the Master's degree. These include:

• University career
• Middle school teacher
• Archival and library work
• Museums
• Advertising
• Art and culture
• Journalism
• Politics
• Public administration
• Economy
• Banking and insurance
• Diplomatic service
• Non-governmental organizations

Further Information

For further information on the Master's program in History, please refer to the study plan and the University of Bern's website.